Vetiver Geranium by Creed

Vetiver Geranium is a hidden gem from Creed, my favourite alongside Royal Water. It’s a fresh, elegant English cologne with a light sillage that evolves from an almost sporty citrus opening to a woody, formal, and mature dry-down. It begins with a blast of bergamot and sharp apple that turns creamy before shifting into an aromatic heart dominated by geranium, with nuances of rose, cinnamon, and amber, where the vetiver feels fresh and woody without being earthy. It’s complex and full of facets. Hours later, the citrus calms down and gives way to the woody notes: amber, cedar, and vetiver in harmony with the geranium, the most beautiful part of its evolution. Finally, it fades, revealing an earthy patchouli. Excellent performance, lasting 8 to 10 hours with a great trail, ideal for those seeking classic and mature fragrances.

To start, this isn’t an easy fragrance to recommend. The opening features a very marked, natural lime note, almost unimaginable, as if smelling the essence of a ripe lime that you can almost taste. The apple is weaker. This sharp lime accompanies the scent for at least two hours, complemented by a present but not overpowering geranium, giving a bitter, herbal, and earthy impression. At two and a half hours, the rose and cinnamon soothe the initial sharpness and change the direction. The dry-down is woody, perhaps due to the cedar, yet it retains that well-complemented herbal earthiness. The secret lies in this dry-down, which is superb. It’s a different fragrance, with natural and high-quality notes, of a classic and conservative style, where the best part is the finish. Performance on skin is good, lasting 9 to 10 hours, with moderate but sustained projection. It lasts several days on clothes, impregnating the fabric. Be careful not to overapply; it can give you a headache. It’s distinct and difficult to grasp at first due to that stinging acidic note; don’t buy blindly. Test samples at least three times before purchasing the 100ml bottle given its high cost. Ideal for summer and days that aren’t too hot, suitable for daily wear. Interestingly, despite the name, I don’t find a clear vetiver note, unless it’s hidden among the herbs and earthiness. It’s like entering a garden of cut limes, grass, and trees, bordered by geranium and roses, followed by branches of boiled cinnamon. High quality, but not suitable for everyone.